Devastating storms with embedded tornadoes swept across parts of the US overnight on Friday, stretching over 600 miles (965km) from south-east Texas to Missouri at one point. Heavy rain, strong winds and violent tornadoes resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, with 11 deaths reported and more than 350,000 homes left without power. Cars were overturned and mobile homes were demolished, hundreds of flights were cancelled, and an estimated 5 million people were placed on a flood watch as the storms ripped through metropolitan areas.
Torrential rainfall in Dubai brought the city to a standstill on Saturday. During the three-hour deluge, peak rainfall rates of over 150mm (5.9in) per hour were reported. Flights were delayed and road closures were put in place as thunderstorms over the city resulted in flooding, requiring 3,100 workers to clear the roads. Usually, Dubai would only get around 10mm in January, making this an exceptional rainfall event.
The Taal volcano in the Philippines erupted on Sunday, creating its very own lightning display as ash and smoke filled the air. Pyrocumulonimbus clouds formed above the volcano, resulting in a spectacular display of lightning along with heavy rainfall, depositing ash over 40 miles away. More than 8,000 people were at risk and immediately evacuated from their homes.
